Godly Repentance!

I was reflecting this morning on the burdensome grief that I experienced as we walked through the crucifixion story yesterday. It was difficult to read and hear about our Lord's suffering as he was whipped and then hung to die. Then I realized that this pain, which believers have experienced again and again through the ages is precisely what Paul was describing in 2Cor.7 as "godly grief."

It is "godly" because it drives believers to their knees to confess their sin before the only one from whom we can receive forgiveness and absolution. Paul says, "For godly grief leads to repentance that leads to salvation without regrets" So, the pain which was almost bearable yesterday results today in the cleansing fruit of repentance.

Then, as Easter morn dawns, the pain is swept away in rejoicing that is the very opposite of Friday's pain and in itself almost unbearable. We are, as Paul said, "without regrets" because not only our salvation is assured, but we have also been completely cleansed from all un-righteousness! We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Alleluia!
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